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ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE
Girls’ Hockey
By Zak Jones, Head of Hockey
The 1st XI enjoyed an incredible season - one
in which they lost only one school match
all term. Their record in all competitions
read: won 22, drew 6, lost 4. They scored
an impressive 98 goals whilst conceding only
34. This is the second best set of numbers
in the School’s history; only the legendary
girls’ 1st XI of 2007 secured better statistics.
They were crowned County Champions
once again, coming through the tournament
unbeaten, conceding just a single goal. In the
South Round, they conceded with the last hit
of the game to draw with eventual winners
Eastbourne, having lost to Ardingly 3-2 and
beaten Peter Symonds 5-0. The 1st XI also
entered the inaugural Independent Schools
Hockey Cup where they beat Tudor Hall
in the first round, then produced a stunning
performance - one of the best in recent
memory - to beat a quality Bromsgrove
side 3-1. Despite playing superbly they were
eventually knocked out by Millfield in the last
16. The side were also semi-finalists in the
prestigious St George’s Sixes. Having won all
their group games, including victories over
Kingston GS and Ipswich, they eventually lost
their semi-final to Cranleigh.
After a tough start to the term the 2nd
XI found their feet with a draw against
Pangbourne. Taking confidence from this
they moved forwards with wins against
Bradfield, Stowe and Kimbolton playing some
free-flowing hockey. Marlborough provided
a challenge but the girls bounced back with
wins against Tudor Hall and Bloxham before
a hard-fought loss to Wellington. The 3rd XI
enjoyed a fantastic season, winning seven of
their eleven fixtures and scoring freely. Wins
were secured v Pangbourne, Bradfield,
Stowe, MCS, Bloxham and – after a hard-
fought, final-day match - away at Wellington.
It has been an excellent term for the
U16As who have come a long way in terms
of their hockey. Highlights of the season
were the 5-1 win at Stowe where they played
some of their best hockey and the real grit
displayed in the 2-1 win over Marlborough.
As a team, they have played with spirit and
humour while always looking to focus on
the positives. The U16B also enjoyed a
positive term with fine wins over Cheltenham
College, Pangbourne, Bradfield, MCS and
Marlborough.
It has been an up and down season
for the U15As. Having recorded 3 wins, 2
draws and 6 losses, the girls were pleased
with their success yet also disappointed as
they believe they could have achieved more.
They were always a pleasure to coach as
they improved enormously over the term,
and played some incredible hockey in parts,
as their hard work and willingness to improve
paid off. The U15Bs had a tough start to the
season but despite losing their first game,
the girls worked hard during training and
started to gain a better understanding of
the game. They displayed great teamwork
to win their next six fixtures against the likes
of Marlborough, Cheltenham and Bradfield.
In the last game of the season they lost to a
strong Wellington side. The U15C’s definitely
progressed throughout the season. As their
passing and stick control improved they came
together as a team and they won a number
of their matches towards the end of term.
The U14A team made very good
progress despite facing a tough fixture list;
the highlight was the win against Tudor Hall
with Alana Wilson (
Cheam
) scoring the
decisive goal. Maddie Catchpole (
Dragon
)
was the player of the season with many
excellent saves as the team’s very busy
goalkeeper. The U14B team were totally
committed throughout the season which
made their successes all the more pleasing.
They worked hard as a team and persevered,
staying motivated and positive at all times.
Special mention must go to captain, Alanna
McCrum (
Jumeirah College, Dubai
), Cate
Luke (
Dragon
), Sophie Marston (
Winchester
House
), Elly Won (
Schule Schloss Salem
),
Natalia Elezovic (
Fulham Prep
) and our secret
weapon, the skilful Ruby Smith (
Dragon
).
The U14C came together at the start of
term with little or no hockey experience.
They faced opposition with courage and
enthusiasm, developing their understanding
of the game as they progressed through the
term. Many have worked hard on improving
their individual skills and match play which
has allowed a number of them to be selected
for B team matches.
Scoring v Canford in September
Julian Measey